White
Tara (Sanskrit: Sitatara; Tibetan: Sgrol-dkar) is sometimes called the
Mother of all Buddhas and she represents the motherly aspect of
compassion. Her white color signifies purity, wisdom and truth.
In iconography, White Tara often has seven eyes in addition to the
usual two, she has a third eye on her forehead and one on each of her
hands and feet. This symbolizes her vigilance and ability to see all the
suffering in the world. The "Tara of Seven Eyes" is the form of the
goddess especially popular in Mongolia.

White Tara wears silk
robes and scarves that leave her slender torso and rounded breasts
uncovered in the manner of ancient India. Like Green Tara, she is richly
adorned with jewels.

White Tara is seated in the diamond lotus
position, with the soles of her feet pointed upward. Her posture is one
of grace and calm. Her right hand makes the boon-granting gesture and
her left hand is in the protective mudra. In her left hand, White Tara
holds an elaborate lotus flower that contains three blooms. The first is
in seed and represents the past Buddha Kashyapa; the second is in full
bloom and symbolizes the present Buddha Shakyamuni; the third is ready
to bloom and signifies the future Buddha Maitreya. These three blooms
symbolize that Tara is the essence of the three Buddhas.

In
religious practice, White Tara is believed to help her followers
overcome obstacles, espeically those that inhibit the practice of
religion. She is also associated with longevity.

The most widely known forms of Tārā are:

Green Tārā, known as the Buddha of enlightened activity

White Tārā, also known for compassion, long life, healing and serenity; also known as The Wish-fulfilling Wheel, or Cintachakra

Red Tārā, of fierce aspect associated with magnetizing all good things

Black Tārā, associated with power

Yellow Tārā, associated with wealth and prosperity

Blue Tārā, associated with transmutation of anger

Cittamani
Tārā, a form of Tārā widely practiced at the level of Highest Yoga
Tantra in the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism, portrayed as green and
often conflated with Green Tārā

Khadiravani Tārā (Tārā of the
teak forest), who appeared to Nagarjuna in the Khadiravani forest of
South India and who is sometimes referred to as the "22nd Tārā."

Thanks
to all Divine Artists around the world that were used in the making of
this educational/non-profit meditation tool video in these Kali Yuga
times.

According to Tibetan Buddhism's beliefs, this mantra
can not only eliminate diseases, troubles, disasters and karma, but will
also bring believers blessings, longer life and even the wisdom to
transcend one's circle of reincarnation.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Jan.s: Lars, you are
a composer and a jazz pianist. To begin with, would you like to share with us your project 'What's New’?

Lars: Whats New was my first trio recording with my son Paul
Svanberg, drums and Danish bass player Thomas Fonnesbaek. That CD consisted
most of standards and a few own compositions. Last month this year I recorded
with the same trio a new upcoming CD with new original music of mine. "A
gentle heart" Lars Jansson Trio (Spice of Life)

Jan.s: Lars, the first image I remember seeing of you on your myspace
page was of you sitting in zazen....the formal Zen medtation practice.
Has practicing zazen influenced your playing, composition, music?

Lars: Of course, everything in life affects your music and the opposite;
through music you learn more about yourself and life.

Jan.s: I recently viewed a wonderful video of a Yabusame performance
in which your music 'Under the Bodhi Tree' is used. Can you tell us about
your involvement with this project?

Lars: Yabusme ask the permission to use my music and I said yes. The greatest
thing for a composer is when somebody wants to play or use for music in a good
context.

Jan.s: During your career, you've accompanied a number of
great singers and have recorded an album with Soren Lampe, 'Not Too Fast' where
you've also collaborated on a number of tracks with Soren. On a youtube video
it's clear that you have a lot of ease in working together.

Lars: Sören is actually an amateur singer but a great
friend and a beautiful person. He likes to do recordings now and then.

During this recording I got to know my bass player Thomas Fonnesbaek who now
is a steady member of my trio. These days I do duo concerts with Danish
vocalist Sinne Eeg, and Swedish singer Karolina Vucidolac who wrote texts to my songs in portages.